Foster Grandparent Program (FGP)

FGP is a national volunteer program sponsored by ADVOCAP and funded by the State of Wisconsin, The Corporation for National and Community Service and local, private donations.

The goals of FGP are to enable low-income people age 55 and over to gain more economic security, and to remain physically and mentally active; and to enable children with identified education or social needs to achieve improved physical, mental, emotional and social development.

Foster Grandparents serve as one on one tutors and mentors in facilities such as K-12 schools, Head Start centers, child care centers, and other youth centered community based sites in Fond du Lac, Winnebago, and Green Lake Counties. They provide individualized attention, unhurried help, consistent support and the opportunity for inter-generational connection.

Activities of a Foster Grandparent could include tutoring, reading, playing games, acting as a role model, listening and talking, participating in crafts, assisting a child with meals or snack, or going on class field trips. Grandparents are considered volunteers, however, they receive a stipend to enable them to serve.

Information for Volunteers

Eligibility and Enrollment

Foster Grandparents must be 55 years or older, meet income guidelines, and be able to commit to a minimum of 15 hours each week. An application, an income review, a physical, a background check, and fingerprint check are a part of the registration process to begin this rewarding volunteer opportunity. Every month, volunteers are required to complete four hours of in-service training provided by ADVOCAP.

Benefits of volunteering with FGP

By volunteering your time you will:

Improve your community and your health

Feel vital and appreciated

Make new friends

By becoming a Foster Grandparent you will receive:

Orientation

Non-taxable, hourly stipend. This stipend cannot be counted as income toward your eligibility for other services (i.e. Medicaid, SSI, FoodShare).

Supplemental insurance

Mileage reimbursement

Paid holiday, sick and vacation hours

Recognition

How to apply

FGP has partnerships with schools and other youth centered organizations throughout Fond du Lac and Winnebago Counties. If you would like to apply or learn more about the Foster Grandparent Program, contact the Volunteer Development Specialist in your county.

Information for Agencies

FGP is here to complement your current volunteer pool. Working with FGP can help bring additional resources to provide the children you serve with the one on one attention they need and deserve. All services provided by FGP are free.

Your organization will benefit:

Additional volunteer recruitment resources and assistance with volunteer recruitment for those over age 55

Expertise in working with people over age 55

Extra support for staff

Assist with volunteer recognition to save you $!

Provide volunteer identification (example: name tags, t-shirts, etc.)

Complete volunteer background checks

Your volunteers will benefit:

Volunteers meet new friends who share their experiences.

Individual volunteer support

Volunteer recognition

Mileage reimbursements

Secondary accident and liability insurance

Volunteers feel rewarded and fulfilled because of their service to the community.

Eligibility and Enrollment

To be eligible for FGP you must be a government agency, school, day care or after school non-profit organization. We require each agency to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) before we are able to recruit and place volunteers.

Sign up now

If you are interested in enrolling with FGP, contact the Volunteer Development Specialist in your county. We will set up a meeting to review the MOU and discuss your volunteer needs.Fond du Lac County: 920-922-7760Oshkosh: 920-426-0150